Volunteers amassed 23 sacks of rubbish, during their latest Tidy Tavi litter pick.

Among the more unusual items found among the litter on Tavistock's streets, laybys and beauty spots, was a child's rattan chair, a pair of trainers and discarded shoe box and a small rubber chicken.

Tidy Tavi coordinator Pamela Steele said there appeared to be less litter in some areas since the community action group began its monthly clear-ups in October. But she added: 'There are still some hot spots out there.'

Waste ground on Crelake industrial estate and Crowndale cycle path were among the zones that proved rich pickings for the volunteers.  Tidy Tavi members have also flagged up evidence of apparent fly-tipping between the town's recycling centre and Shillamill viaduct.

Among the 18 volunteers who took part in the clear-up was Devon County councillor Debo Sellis, who praised Tidy Tavi and presented a £250 cheque from the authority's locality budget towards the purchase of additional litter-picking equipment.

One volunteer, whose efforts have certainly not passed unremarked, is eight-year old Border collie Womble.

Following her appearance in the Times in May, two pannier market businesses clubbed together to sponsor her own, bespoke hi-vis work jacket. Emblazoned with the legend, 'Womble, the Tidy Tavi Dog', the eyecatching vest was provided by Bluewolf Boutique and Roger the Watchman.

Earlier this month, the group used items retrieved from under hedgerows during the May litter-pick, to plant an unusual flower display, which won the most original category at the Tavistock Garden Festival. Bedding plants were potted in two discarded traffic cones, which were decorated with bunting cut from old soft drinks cans.

Anyone wanting to join the monthly clear-up can simply turn up on the day. Tidy Tavi will next meet outside the Wharf at 10am on Saturday July 7.

Mrs Steele said: 'We hope that as more and more people see what we are up to, they will think about making Tidy Tavi a diary date.

'There's a real sense of satisfaction in a job well done and it is also a great opportunity to get to know other people from around and about the town.'